CD Lamb's strategic return Cowboys to take a smart approach with star receiver after a long offseason filled with anticipation the Dallas Cowboys are finally welcoming back their star wide receiver CD lamb the timing couldn't be better as lamb recently ined a lucrative 4-year $136 million extension with $100 million guaranteed however despite the excitement surrounding his return the Cowboys are taking a cautious approach to ensure their priced player is ready for the season opener do Lam's absence throughout the offseason program including mandatory mini camp and training camp has been a significant storyline for the Cowboys his contract negotiations kept him off the field leaving fans and the team eager to see him back in action with just 13 days remaining before the Cowboys kick off their season against the Cleveland Browns coach Mike McCarthy is focused on easing lamb back into the rhythm of the game do McCarthy expressed his relief and excitement at having lamb back but emphasized the importance of a careful ramp up the schedule we have for the week really fits into a rampup mode McCarthy said we do have to be smart with him and that's our plan the Cowboys have three practices scheduled this week before a long weekend break which provides a perfect window to gradually reintegrate lamb into the team's activities while lamb has been working hard with his trainer during his absence McCarthy acknowledges that there's no substitute for the physical demands of football practice lamb did manage to get some work in with quarterback Dak Prescott off site but McCarthy is aware that lamb needs more than just conditioning it's really just more of the connection the little things the details McCarthy noted he needs body- onbody contested catches have his contact balance tested you really only get that playing football this cautious approach is reminiscent of the team's handling of Ezekiel Elliott back in 2019 when the star running back signed a contract extension just days before the season opener Elliot played a limited number of snaps in week one gradually ran in up as the season progressed the Cowboys seem to be adopting a similar strategy with lamb ensuring that he's not only physically ready but also mentally sharp and in sync with his teammates doas the Cowboys prepare for the upcoming season all eyes will be on CD Lamb's return to the field the team's careful planning and Lamb's dedication to his craft suggests that he'll be ready to make an immediate impact with his new contract in hand and a smart return plan in place lamb is poised to be a key player in the Cowboys pursuit of success this season